Mt Hood Conference Player of the Year Favorites

It still early with a lot yet to be determined before next season, but have a look at who projects as the conference POY favorites in each league.. &nbsp; UP NEXT: SWC &nbsp; <strong>OFFENSE</strong> &nbsp; 1. [player_tooltip player_id="152354" first="Cru" last="Newman"] QB 24’ Central Catholic- As a Sophomore Newman was the Mt Hood Conference Offensive POY and the PRZ state player of the year, after throwing 37 TDs/4 INTs, and leading his team to the 6A title. He’s special and will be a heavy favorite to repeat. 2.[player_tooltip player_id="147244" first="Luke" last="Ash"] RB 23’ Clackamas- Ash will most likely get 25-30 touches per game, so he could very well put up some ridiculous #s next season. Look for the 1st team all-league returner to come back even stronger after rushing for close to 1200 yards and 19 TDs, averaging close to 9 yards per carry in 2021. 3.[player_tooltip player_id="104685" first="Riley" last="Williams"] TE 23’ Central Catholic- It’s not often a TE wins POY accolades, but Williams might be the exception to the rule. One of the nation’s top tight ends projects as a state statistical leader, after an unreal junior campaign where he finished second in receiving TDs during the regular season (11). 4.[player_tooltip player_id="157615" first="Blake" last="Baker"] QB 23’ Clackamas- One of the more underrated kids in Oregon in my opinion. Baker comes from a football family and quietly had an outstanding season as a Junior, throwing 19 TDs with only 2 INTs. He has the potential of being one of the state’s best. 5.[player_tooltip player_id="270225" first="Hunter" last="MacDonald"] RB 23’ Barlow- Another kid who comes from a talented family. He went somewhat under the radar as a Junior rushing for 987 yards and 14 TDs. With the departure of [player_tooltip player_id="204583" first="Jake" last="Fay"] I would expect him to blow up this coming season. 6.[player_tooltip player_id="285852" first="Avirey" last="Durdahl"] QB 25’ Nelson- It’s rare for any freshman to start and do well at the Varsity level, but Durdahl was that guy. On the year he passed for 10 TDs and 4 INTs in 4 games. Look for the new HS to be in the mix come playoff time with Avirey ranked one of the NW’s top QBs for 2025. &nbsp; &nbsp; <strong>DEFENSE</strong> &nbsp; 1.[player_tooltip player_id="204578" first="Caleb" last="Clardy"] LB 23’ David Douglas- One of the fastest rising prospects in the state of Oregon. Clardy was a 2nd team all-league kid as a Junior but has a stock that is sky rocketing with impressive performances on the camp circuit. Look for the 3* LB to help DD compete for a playoff spot, after being one of the state statistical leaders in multiple categories (Sacks, Fumble Recoveries, Defensive TDs). 2.<strong>Timmy Mitchell Jr.</strong> CB 24’ Central Catholic- As stated numerous times Mitchell could end up being one of CC's most decorated athletes ever when all is said and done. The Les Schwab Bowl MVP as a freshman and reigning state title winner projects as one of Oregon’s best. 3.[player_tooltip player_id="110237" first="Keontae" last="Johnson-Gibson"] CB 23’ Clackamas- KJG has shown flashes of being one of the best DB’s in the region for his class. Much like his brother, he projects as one of the most versatile athletes in Oregon, specifically from his CB position where he plays like he is 6-2 with no fear. 4.[player_tooltip player_id="110175" first="Sully" last="McDaniel"] LB 23’ Clackamas- This kid has all the tools and brings legit size and speed to the table. He will have an opportunity to put it all together, playing for one of the state’s top programs. Sully will be a 4-year varsity athlete and has a chance to be special. 5.[player_tooltip player_id="208393" first="Tyler" last="King"] DE 23’ Clackamas- Not a lot of people are aware of King yet, but you can’t miss the 6-5 DE coming off the edge. He went under the radar as a Junior not even earning all-conference honors, but could blow up this coming season with size and raw abilities you can’t teach. 6.[player_tooltip player_id="206850" first="Luke" last="Fahner"] OLB 24’ Gresham- Former NFL LB and head coach James Allen speaks highly of Fahner. His physicality and overall athleticism were impressive as a Sophomore, earning honorable mention all-conference honors. The question is always, will the Gophers be able to compete? They haven’t in recent years. 7.[player_tooltip player_id="110230" first="Leithan" last="Thompson"] Safety 23’ Sandy- Thompson earned 2nd team all-league honors on both sides of the football last season, with the Pioneers returning a handful of all conference dudes who can compete. Head coach Josh Dill has done a nice job. We will see if the 6-3 standout can be that X factor and help them get to the playoffs. 8.[player_tooltip player_id="270228" first="Max" last="Kirsch"] DB 23’ Nelson- Kirsch earned 2nd team all-league honors on O and honorable mention accolades on defense. Expect him to be a primary target for Durdahl at WR and one of the Mt Hood’s best on D. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;